While this was the 11th, and final episode aired in the initial run of the show on Fox in 2002, it was intended to be the 1st and pilot episode. It introduces all of the core characters, and it does so quite well.
As we may have people who have never watched the series joining us, please keep conversations limited to this episode.
"How is business?" - "None of yours" Why does the dialogue work so well between the characters?
I love that this episode shows how much Mal actually cares for Inara, but he is too... proud? to admit he cares for a companion.
Yeah it is a great setup for the rest of the show and it really introduces the characters well. Still don't get why this was not aired first
That one line between Mal and badger? Oh man that kills me it's so good. Paraphrasing;
Mal: "Wheels always turning Badger."
Badger: "That only matters to the people on the rim."
Damn that's a dope ass parting exchange.
They managed to write so many quips in the show that portrays the characters well. The exchange between Mal and Jayne at the end as well.
"Why didn't you take the offer?"
"The moneg was not good enough."
"What will happen if it is someday?"
"We will see, this will be a very interesting day."
in like 4 lines you get to know their working relationship and also get a glimpse of how much Mal knows and deduces.